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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

Working Knowledge and familiarity with Linux based operating systems and the Linux command line ... Basic Level - Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and 6 years of relevant experience

They are seeking a Systems Engineer / Architect to provide holistic support for the FBI's mission ... Linux operating systems across workstations and servers. • Strong knowledge of networking ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems like Linux and Windows Server, virtualization technologies such as VMware or ...

Sr. System Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103.40K - $141.50K/yr

Experience working with Operating System Configuration/Administration (Windows/Linux) * Must ... Programming / Scripting languages (a plus) * TCP/IP networking - Window Server 2016 (a plus)

A Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science or IT. • Experience: o Typically requires 3-5 years in systems engineering or administration. o Experience with operating systems ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

System Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

System Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

System Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Familiarity with operating systems * Experience with network protocols * Competency with scripting ...

System Engineer

Aldie, VA

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

System Engineer

Springfield, VA

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

System Engineer

Merrifield, VA

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

System Engineer

Manassas, VA

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

System Engineer

Merrifield, VA

$107.90K - $195.05K/yr

Navigate Linux or Windows operating systems using command line interface * Perform software testing ... Bachelor's in engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent work experience ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating System Engineer, you need a deep understanding of computer science principles, operating system internals, and strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with kernel development, debugging tools, virtualization platforms, and experience with version control systems (such as Git) are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and security of operating systems, which are foundational to all computing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Operating System Engineers when maintaining system stability in large-scale environments?

Operating System Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing software patching across diverse hardware, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications, and minimizing downtime during critical updates. In large-scale environments, balancing security with performance and reliability can be complex, especially when multiple teams depend on the systems. Effective communication with development, security, and IT operations teams is essential to address these issues proactively and maintain overall system stability.

What does an Operating System Engineer do?

An Operating System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing operating systems that run on computers and servers. They work on the core components that manage hardware resources, enable software applications, and ensure system security and stability. Their duties often include writing system-level code, troubleshooting performance issues, implementing updates, and collaborating with hardware and software teams. Operating System Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that computing environments are efficient, reliable, and secure.

What is the difference between Operating System Engineer vs System Administrator?

AspectOperating System EngineerSystem Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing operating systemsMaintaining, configuring, and supporting existing systems
Skills & CertificationsLinux/Unix, scripting, OS architecture, certifications like RHCE or Linux FoundationSystem management, network setup, troubleshooting, certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, R&D, engineering projectsIT support, data centers, enterprise environments
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, software developmentCorporate IT, government agencies, healthcare, finance

While both roles involve working with operating systems, Operating System Engineers focus on designing and developing OS solutions, whereas System Administrators manage and support existing systems. The roles complement each other but serve different stages of the system lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.